I decided to explore the different results of the crossing of vertical and horizontal planes when building ceilings. Different ceiling heights in relation with the human perception of the space and the effects light can have on it were my guidelines during this phase. With this aim in mind, I interested myself on two churches. As a spiritual shelter, churches are willing to connect the human with the sky. I therefore found interesting for my project to look for modern realizations of this purpose.

Section of Jørn Utzon's Bagsvaerd church, Denmark

Takeshi Hosaka's Shonan Christ church, Japan

FINAL RESULT

External view

Interior views

The user is invited to feel more or less comfortable depending on different ceiling heights. Furthermore, the shadow of the light’s entrance through the openings in the roof creates other « ceiling heights » clearly visible on the wall. This also changes the experience of the user and varies depending on the position of the sun.

We directed our project in close relation with the most important feature of this painting: its perspective. The perspective creates a perfect symmetry on the picture and the viewer's attention is attracted by the point of view, located in the middle of the frame. This process invites the viewer to play with this room. Focusing our observation on the point of view, we invented another room, created by the frame. The two windows allow the viewer to observe the outside world from within. We thus adapted our “second room” in order for the viewer to still be able to see the outside, even with this “second room”. We decided to add two rows of windows lined up on the ones seen on the painting. The viewer is therefore able to see through the three rows of windows without noticing this hidden room. This trick is only possible thanks to the perfect symmetrical perspective of this painting.

Our double element explores the curved path taken by pedestrians at the corner meeting of two streets: a path that was analysed and mapped at the commencement of the project. This movement is controlled and framed by the creation of a tall, narrow corridor, creating a powerful experience for the walker, who follows the curve before being released back into the site. The element is both a door and a series of narrow windows created by rotating vertical components manipulated to direct the walker’s vision. This rotation reveals the site outside the walls only from certain points of view from within.